Senior Bank Regulatory Counsel

Santander; New York (NY); On-site; USD 158,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

Santander is seeking a Senior Bank Regulatory Counsel to join our U.S. bank regulatory practice. The role focuses on advising financial institutions on U.S. banking laws, regulations, and supervisory matters, with emphasis on BHCA, FRB, and OCC frameworks.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management, risk partners, and compliance teams on regulatory developments, governance issues, and corporate transactions that require regulatory oversight.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• 10+ years of experience advising financial institutions on bank regulatory matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on U.S. banking laws and supervisory expectations for banks and foreign banking organizations.
• Advise on Bank Holding Company Act, governance, acquisitions, and divestitures.
• Interpret Regulation Y, Regulation W, and Regulation K implications.
• Support interactions with Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC regulators.
• Counsel on regulatory implications of new products and strategic initiatives.
• Review proposed legislation and regulatory guidance with actionable recommendations.
• Mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, branch activities requiring regulatory approvals.

Skills

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Bar admission (U.S. state)

Regulatory banking law

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

Senior Bank Regulatory CounselCountry: United States of America

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

The Difference You Make:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Bank Regulatory Attorney to join our bank regulatory practice and provide strategic legal counsel on a broad range of U.S. banking laws, regulations, and supervisory matters. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience advising financial institutions on complex regulatory issues, including extensive knowledge of the Bank Holding Company Act (BHCA), Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) regulatory frameworks, and key banking regulations governing the operations of domestic and international banking organizations.

This role will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management, business leaders, risk partners, and compliance teams on regulatory developments, supervisory matters, corporate transactions, governance issues, and strategic initiatives. Experience working with or advising foreign banking organizations is preferred.

• Provide legal advice and strategic guidance regarding U.S. banking laws, regulations, and supervisory expectations applicable to bank holding companies, national banks, and foreign banking organizations.
• Advise on matters arising under the Bank Holding Company Act, including permissible activities, control determinations, investments, acquisitions, divestitures, and corporate governance considerations.
• Interpret and advise on requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, including prudential standards, resolution planning, recovery planning, and related regulatory obligations.
• Counsel business and control functions on compliance with Regulation W (Transactions Between Member Banks and Their Affiliates), Regulation Y (Bank Holding Companies and Change in Bank Control), and Regulation K (International Banking Operations).
• Provide legal support for interactions with federal banking regulators, including the Federal Reserve, OCC, and the FDIC.
• Advise on regulatory implications of new products, services, business initiatives, strategic investments, and organizational changes.
• Review and analyze proposed legislation, regulatory developments, supervisory guidance, and provide actionable recommendations to senior business leaders.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, branch activities, and other corporate transactions requiring regulatory approvals or notifications.

What You Bring:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. Required.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar. -Required.
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience in bank regulatory law, gained at a major law firm, financial institution, regulatory agency, or a combination thereof. -Required.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior executives and business stakeholders on complex regulatory matters.
• Strong understanding of banking governance, prudential regulation, affiliate transactions, capital and liquidity considerations, and supervisory expectations.
• Excellent legal analysis, drafting, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage complex regulatory issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with or advising foreign banking organizations (FBOs), international banking groups, or cross-border banking operations. -Preferred.
• Familiarity with the International Banking Act, enhanced prudential standards, U.S. intermediate holding company requirements, and cross-border regulatory issues. -Preferred.
• Prior in-house experience at a large banking organization or global financial institution. -Preferred.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have:

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.
• Experience in Microsoft Office products.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum: $157,500.00 USD

Maximum: $265,000.00 USD

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standingand walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at T A O p s @ s a n t a n d e r . u s to discuss your needs.